Internal electric starting-vaporizer for combustion-engines.



Patented Jan. 19. 1909. Z EHEETS-SHBET 1.

ann/

HG, A. A. LOW 65 A. WASSMANN.

ERTZBE APPLICATION FILED APR.16,1907.

m s I f 2 2... g v z w m w w {c A mw R .v 1 6 D E/ 0 a 7 ,r A I A 70 l m J 7M & M lmfim /H/ J/Zw w v N 8 mWv/ H. Z Us..- A

INTERNAL ELECTRIC STARTING VAPORIZER FGR COMBUSTION ENGINES.

, W/TNESSES H. HERTZBERG, A. A. LOW & A. WASSMANN. INTERNALELBCTRIC STARTING VAPORIZER- FOR COMBUSTION ENGINES.

APPLICATION FILED APR.16, 1907.

Patented J an. 19, 1909.

2 SHBETS-SHBET 2.

v S 7 o L 5 m N T0@ 7 H A 5 m m Z ./A

nnrrnn sainfrns rirrnn'r ornron.

HARRY HERTZBERG, OF NEW YORK, ABBOT A. LOW, O I" HORSESHOE, AND AUGUST WASSMANN OF ASTORIA, NEW YORK; SAID HERTZBERG AND \VASSMANN ASSIGNORS TO SAID LOW.

INTERNAL ELECTRIQ STAltTiNG-VAPOEIZER FOR COMBUSTION-ENGINES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 19, 1909.

Application filed April 15, 1907. Serial No. 368,536.

' invented a certain new and useful Internal Electric Starting-Vaporizer for Combustion- Engines, of which the following is a specification,

This invention is an internal vaporizer particularly adapted for use in or adjacent to the cylinder of a hydrocarbon combustion engine.

More particularly, the type of engine to which the invention relates is operated by the combustion of kerosene which is first mixed with air to, produce an explosive vapor, the resulting gaseous mixture being drawn into the cylinder by the suction oi a piston.

In starting an engine of this class the oil present in the explosive vapor, when admitted to the cylinder, has a tendency to condense by being brought into contact with the cold surface of a cylinder and the head thereof.

This invention overcoi'ncs said objections in a simple,eliicient, expeditious and economical manner, and one of its objects is secured by electrically heating a metallic vaporizing surface with which the explosive mixture is brought into contact. Said vaporizing surface is heated electrically to the required tom peraturc in a very brief time for the purpose of vaporizing the fuel when starting the engine. In a few minutes of time it is found that the engine becomes suiiiciel'itly heated up, by the combustion of the explosive charges, to vaporizethc successive charges of fuel, and to continue in operation so long as such charges are supplied to the cylinder and are exploded by the iguit'er; and under such conditions, the 1n'eli1uinary electric starting vaporizer is discontinued from service and. the engine thereafter is operated by the combus tion 01'' charges which are vaporized by a permanent internal vaporizer.

In the operation of engines equipped with permanent internal vaporizeis and employing kerosene as the fuel, it found that there is a liability of premature combustion i s l i of the charges of explosive mixture by such internal Vaporizers; but in this invention we employ a form of internal vaporizer which eliminates all possibility of such premature explosions, and which operates cflicicntly in converting the mixture of oil and air into a vapor adapted to be exploded by a suitable igniter or spark plug. Furthermore, certain forms oi the clectrically-hcatcd starting vaporizer of this invention are each constructed in such manner that the explosive mixture will circulate through and around said vaporizer after the engine is started, such charges oi the mixture being thereafter vaporized, whereby the circulation of air and fuel tends to overcome excessive heating and consequent deterioration of said starting vaporizer.

In the accompanying drawings, we have illustrated .di-ll'ercnt practical embodiments of the invention, but the constructions shown therein are to be understood as illustrative only, and not defining the limitsof the invention.

Figure l is a vertical sectional elevation illustrating one form of the present inven tion in connection with an ordinary type of combustion engine. Fig. 2 is a plan view of an'electrically heated starting vaporizer adapted to be used in connection withthe engine of Fig. 1, Fig. 5) is a plan view of another form of electrically heated starting vaporizer. Fig. l is a vertical section on the line l-i of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a plan view o'l still another form of starting vaporizer. (3 is a cross section on the line (i -l3 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a vertical section, partly an elevation, showing a- :t'orir of starting vaporizer adapted to establish an eddy current will in tne permanent vaporizer oi a combustion engine.

A dos gnates a portion of an engine cylinder, and B is the head thereof. As usual the cylinder is provided with a water jacket, (4. and the head, 13, is chambered at Z) to provide with the circulation of a cooling medium, such as water, through said cylinder and its head.

designates a casing herein shown as being attached to the head, B, said casing 't'ormiug; a mixing chamber 0, in which air and a suitable combustible liquid are mixed mechanically in order to produce an exploafteradmitted to the engine cylinder so as to be exploded therein by an igniter or spark plug, indicated at D in Fig. 1. As shown,

the casing, C,is provided with an air inlet, 6,

the area of which is controlled by a suitable valve, E. Into the chamber, 0, is supplied a combustible fuel, such as kerosene, by

means of a jet nozzle, F, with which cornmunicates a suitable liquid pipe, f. Between the air valve,.E, and thefjet nozzle, F, is a diaphragm, 'G, which is formed, referably, by a metallic gauze. The jet of iquid supplied by the nozzle, F, strikes against the diaphragm, G, and isbroken up into a fine spray thereby. The air admitted by the valve, E, is drawn. through the diaphragm when the engine piston is on its back stroke and the valve, H, is opened, the air and the mechanically divided liquid being mixed in the chamber 0, before they are converted into afixed vapor by the action of thevaporizer. A bushing, I, is fitted in a central opening of the cylinder head, B, said bushing being flanged in order to receive suitable bolts by which it is fastened to the cylinder head.

The lower part of the bushing is provided with a valve seat adapted to be engaged by the inlet valve, H, the latter having a stem, h,

on which acts a suitable spring, h, adapted to keep the valve normally closed on its seat.

The parts heretofore described may be of the usual or any preferred construction, and the valve, H, may be operated positively by connections with a moving part of the engine, and in. Fig. 1 the stem, k, of said valve is connected with a lever, H, which is operated by a rod, H from a cam or other moving part of the engine.

The bushing, I, is provided with an inlet passage 2', by which the mixture of air and fuel is admitted to the vaporizer which is,

in this invention, located within theuppe? part of the engine cylinder, A.

It is preferred to equipthe engine with two Vaporizers, both located internally of the piston chamber, one of said Vaporizers being electrically heated for the purpose of quickly producing a hot surface at the time of starting the engine so as to vaporize the first charges of explosive mixture admitted to the piston chamber, and the other vaporizer being heated by the combustion of said charges and operating on the discontinuance of the starting vaporizer so as to'remain in operation during the continued service of the engine. p

The permanent vaporizer is shown in Fig.- 1 as consisting of ajbowl shaped vessel, J, arranged in the upper portion of the piston chamber, a, of the cylinder, A. This bowl shaped vessel is attached in any suitable way to the cylinder or to the head thereof, but as shown, the cylinder head, B, is provided with a flange, 6', having an internal thread of-permitting thc air and oil to circulate .which may impinge the combustible.mix-

in, y', is less than the area of the intake valve, H, and said openin is directly below said intake valve, where y a combustible mixture (of air and oil) admitted by the intake valve is caused to circulate within a. chamber of said vaporizer, J. This circulation insures a more complete, admixture of the combustible vapor. The diameter of these opening, j, may differ in-the vaporizers used in the different engines, according as actual. conditions of service may require.

'The starting vaporizer is heatedelectrically at will, and after the engine is in servicethe electric current is cut off from p the starting vaporizer, in order that it may be thrown out of service and the engine run by vaporizing the fuel in contact with the surfaces of the vaporizer, J. Said start- 9o ing vaporizer is shown Fig. l as being within the chamber of the permanent vaporizer, J, between the intake valve, H, and the bottom portion of said vaporizer, J.

Various forms of starting Vaporizers are shown in Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive,;-of the drawings, and it is desired to state that we prefer to construct each starting vaporizer with slots, openings or the like, for the purpose through'said starting. vaporizer when the engine 1s operating after normal conditions, such circulation of Oll and fuel tending to.

' overcome undue heating of said starting vaporizer and consequent deterioration thereof. It is not intended, however, to limit the invention to a perforated vaporizer for the reason that it may be imperforate as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, in which case the air and oil will circulate externally to and around said starting vaporizer.

In the construction shown in Figs. 1

.and 2, the starting vaporizer, K, is of annular form and constructed to resemble a grid, whereby the desired circulation openings 01'- slots are producedtherein. Said vaporizer, K, is composed of a mass of metal adapted to be quickly heated by an electric gurrent and presenting a surface against tu-re admitted by the intake valve. As

shown, the vaporizer, K, of Figs. 1 and 2 is composed of a hollow rim, is, and a plurality of cross bars, '70, the latterbeing arranged to provide the slots or openings, [0 through said vaporizer. The hollow rim, {0, accommodates an electrical resistance which is insulated from contact with the mass of metal. Any suitable means for electrically heating the mass of metal composing the vaporizer, 130

ceases K, may be employed, such for example as electric heaters of the type disclosed in a prior application filed by Hertzberg and Low as joint inventors, but forthe purposes of this application it is considered sufficient to illustrate the electric resistance at Z in Fig.

- 1 and to inclose said resistance within a as extending through the head, B, of the cylinder. The electrically heated vaporizer, K, is adapted to be secured to and supported wvithin the vaporizer, J, by suitable means,

but as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 said starting vaporizer, K, is attached to lugs, j, of the vaporizer, .J.

When starting the engine the cylinder and the Vaporizers are in a cold condition,

and in order to avoid the use of naphtha,

benz in or other highly volatile fluid we admit an electric current to the resistance of the starting vaporizer, K. The current is switched on for a few minutes in order that the resistance, .1, mayquickly heat up a mass of metal composing the vaporizer, K.

a quantity of kerosene oil into the chamber, 0, and when the engine piston is moved downwardly, the valve, H, is opened and a charge of combustible mixture is thus admitted into the engine. As the mixture passes the intake valve, H, it strikes the hot surface of the vaporizer, K, whereby the mixture is converted into vapor and circulates in the chamber of the vaporizer, J, finding an exit therefrom through the opening, 7', into the piston chamber, such combustible vapor {being compressed in the p)iston chamber and exploded by the igniter,

It is only necessary to admit a few charges of combustible vapor to the engine cylinder, which charges are vaporized by the. vaporizer, K, and to explode said charges in the cylinder, before the vaporizer. J, becomes sufiieiently heated to convert the successive chargesof combustible mixture into vapor, and when such conditions obtain the electric eurrent is cut off from the vaporizer, K, and the charges of combustible mixture are converted into-vapor by contact with the'hot surfaces'bf the vaporizer, J. The passage of air and fuel through the openingsof the vaporizer, K,'minimizes the tendency of the vaporizer to burn out underthe' heat developed by the engine. Furthermore, ithe vaporizer, J, is secured The air valve, E, having been opened, the fuel pump is started in order to inject mechanically to and in contact with the chambered water cooled head, B, of the cylinder, and this construction overcomes any tendency of the vaporizer, J, to become so highly heated as will reduce premature ignition of the combustible vapor.

In Figs. 3 and 4 we have shown an imperforate construction of the starting vaporizer, K. It is composed of a body or mass of metal presenting continuous top and bottom surfaces, and said body is shown as being circular, although the shape and size of the vaporizer is not important. Said vaporizer is provided with a chamber, 76 adapt ed to contain the, insulating layers of material, Z, which confine the resistance layer, Z, substantially in contact with the body or mass of metal, whereby the heat developed by the inclosed resistance is transmitted directly to and-absorbed by the mass of metal CUJUPOSlllQ the vaporizer. The condue-tors, m, are connected electrically with the resistance, Z, and the entire vaporizer is adapted to be supported within the chamber of the hollow vaqporizc'r, J, in substantially the manner hereinbefore indicated. Said vaporizer, K, is adapted to lie directly below and opposite to the intake valve, and the combustible mixture admitted by said valve strikes said vaporizer so as to be converted into vapor which circulates around the edge of the body, K, and thence passes through the opening, j, of the vaporizer, J. Another construction of the grid like starting vaporizer is shown in Figs. 5 and 6 100 of the drawings, wherein the vaporizer, K is constructed with the circulation slots or openings, L for the passage therethrough of the combustible mixture. Said vaporizer, K, somewhat resembles the grate used in 105 stoves, although this particular form is not a material part. of the invention. The vaporizer consists of a hollow rim, '70, an interior rim, is, concentric with said hollow rim, is, and radial webs or bars which 110 join the men1bers, is, It. The members. In, leflcontain the electrical resistances, l, P, each of which is electrically insulated from the walls of the hollow parts, ,l: and said resistances are connected in multiple 115 circuit by the wires 'III/JIZ-Z. It. is evident that the vaporizer, K, of Figs. 5 and (3 may be supported within. the hollow vaporizer, J. so as to lie below the intake valve, H, and

the electric current is adapted to be supplied to the resistances, Z, Z, for the purpose of quickly heating the body or mass of metal of said vaporizer, K Said vaporizer is enrployed in starting the engine to convert into vapor the combustible mixture of air and kerosene, and thereafter the current is" i cut off from said vaporizer so that the mixture will flow through the opening, k ,,an-d strike the hot surface of the vaporizer, v

In Fig. 7 of'thedrawing, we'have shown 18B a construction wherein the electrically heated starting vaporizer is adapted to set up or establish an eddy current of the combustible mixture for the purpose of more thoroughly commingling the oil and kerosene, one with the other, prior to or at the time of the conversion of the said mixture into vais constructed or fashioned .to present. a curved surface to the infiowing charge 'of' combustible mixture, and when said charge impinges on said curved surface it is caused to rebound .therefrom in a substantially spiral manner for the purpose of securing the eddy current. As shown, the vaporizer, M, consists of a mass of metal which is chambered to receive the electrical resistance and the necessary insulations therefor. Said vaporize'r'is preferably in the form of a ring having inner and outer walls, which in cross section are curved as at o, 0". The vaporizer, M, is supported by any suitable means within the vaporizer, J, below the intake valve, H, and the inner curved wall, 0, of said vaporizer is directly in the path of the combustible mixture adapted to be drawn into the cylinder when the. valve, I-I,'is opened, whereby the charge strikes the surface, 0, and rebounds therefrom to set up the eddy current. The circulationand eddying of the vapor secures a more thorough admixture of its ingredients, andv said vapor is. adapted -to be drawn into the piston chamber by the suction created .by

the movement of the piston therein.

The principal advantage secured by this invention is that we are able to start and operate the engine by one kind of fuel, preferably kerosene. nar combustion engine adapted to use this fue or one similar to it, the oil present in the explosive mixture condenses by contact with the cold surfaces of the cylinder and its head. .To overcome such objection, it haslbeen customary to use one kind of fuel,

such as naphtha, in starting the engine, and

an electric current for the purposeof starting the engine witlrkerosene, andwhen" the other vaporizer is sufiiciently heated 'by the combustion of the charges, the electricallyheated vaporizer is cut out of service, and

Then starting an ordithe engine is operated by the va orization and-combustion of other charges 0 the same kind of fuel.

Having-thus fully described the invention, what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In. an engine of the class-described, a hollow vaporizer located internally of the engine-cylinder, and a starting vaporizer within the. aforesaid hollow vaporizer.

2. In an engine of the class described, a hollow vaporizer located internally of the engine-cylinder, a starting vaporizer within the aforesaid hollow vaporizer, and means for electrically heating said starting vaporizer.

engine-cylinder, an intake v'alve by which a combustible mixture is admitted to said cylinder, aninternal thermostatic vaporizer, and a starting electrically-heated va orizer between the mtake valve and the t ermostatic vaporizer.

4. .In an en ine of engine cylin er, a chambered vaporizer -within said cylinder, and an electricallyheated vaporizer within the chamber of the first named vaporizer. V

engine-cylin er, "Ia chambered vaporizer therein, a starting vaporizer partially surmeans for electrically-heating said starting vaporizer at will. p

6. In an engine of the class described, a combustion chamber, a hollow vaporizer therein, a slotted starting vaporizer mcased by said hollow vaporizer, and means for electrically-heating said starting vaorizer.

7. In an engine of the class descri ed, an engine cylinder, an intake valve, a hollow vaporizer over the inlet afiorde'd'by said valve to the cylinder, astarting vaporizer incased by the first named vaporizertsaid starting vaporizer having openings forthe circulation of a combustible va' or therethrough, and means for electrica said .starting vaporizer.

hollow vaporizer across the inlet aflorded by said valve to the cylinder, a starting vaporizer havin openings for the circulation of a combustib le vapor and comprising amass of metal which forms a vaporizing surface, said starting vaporized being incased by the first named vaporizer, and means for electri'cally-heating saidmass of metal of, the starting vaporizer. j

engine cylinder, an intake valve, a vaporizer within said cylinder and across the path said valve, another vaporizer within the first named vaporizer and the class described, an I 9-. In an engine of'the class described, an

lying in the path of 3. In an engineof the class described, an 1 5. In an en ine of the class described, an

rounded by said chambered vaporizer, and l y-heating 8. In an engine of the class described, an-

engine cylinder, an intake valve'thereto,-a'"115' .ofcombustible mixture admitted thereto by' see,

combustible mixture admitted by said valvc and means for electrically heating the second named vaporizer at will.

10. In an engine of the class described, an engine ylinder, an intake valve, a hollow vaporizer Within said cylinder, and an electrically-heated starting vaporizer? Within a chamber of said hollow vaporizer, said starting vaporizer presenting a curved surface in the path of a combustible lnix re admitted by the valve whereby the st vaporizer is sdsp to set up an eddy current in the comlnisti mixture simultaneously with the conversion of said mixture into conii lonstible vapor. I

. between the valve and the first nnn'ied vaporizer, said second named vaporizer being providedwith openings through which air and fuel are adapted to pass under normal conditions in the operation of the engine, whereby the second vaporizer is kept from undue heating and the mixture is adapted to be vaporized by contact with the first vaporizer.

13. In an engine of the class described, a cylinder, an intake valve, a chambered vaporizer within said cylinder, and an electrically-heated'starting vaporizer incased by said chambered vaporlzer, said starting vaporizer being spaced relatively to the walls .within the vaporizer and to be drawn through the opening thereof. and an electrically-hosted starting; vaporizer iocnted l e-- tween the valve and the opening in ins aforesaid. vaporizer,

in. In mic1" ne of: the class described, two \"RLPOTl'LOlS located within an engine cyl inder, one of sa'd vaporizers being; heated by the combustion of charges admitted to the engine cylinder, the other vaporizer being incascd by the aforesaid vaporizer and provided with .uicans for electrically heating the some.

id in an engine, two Vaporizers located within a cyiindei' of said engine, one of said \fipOYli IQTL'S substantially inc-using the other vaporizer, and chemical means for initially heating the iiicesed vaporizer, the other or incasing vaporizer being adaptedv to be heated subsequently Toy the combustion of. charges which are admitted to the cylinder.

in testimonywl'iereoi we have signed our names to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ZEAERY HERTZLERG ABBOT LOW, AUGUST VJASSHLKNN.

\Vitnesses H. T. Bnmvrnmn, I Geo. Wrnmno GIDDINGS. 

